Things You Didn't Know About Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs caused by throbbing, pulling, creeping, and otherwise uncomfortable sensations. These symptoms tend to occur at rest so they often become more frequent at night — and this can disrupt sleep.

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RLS does not occur during sleep

RLS symptoms can make it harder to fall asleep but do not occur during sleep. If your limbs move during sleep, you may be living with periodic limb movement syndrome (PLMS) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMS is usually defined as more than five limb movements per hour of sleep. PLMD may be diagnosed if there are more than 15 limb movements per hour of sleep.

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RLS might make you feel like a zombie

Because moving the legs relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed. This can lead to nights of wandering around the house (or even the neighborhood streets) in the dead of night in an attempt to get some relief.

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RLS doesn’t only affect the legs

Although the ‘L’ in RLS stands for legs, other limbs can be affected. The creepy-crawly and tingling sensations association with RLS can also occur in the arms and other areas of the body. This spread of symptoms is more common the longer you have the condition.

Medication can be effective

Pramipexole (Mirapex ) and ropinirole (Requip) have proven to be effective for the treatment of RLS. Both drugs increase dopamine levels and are also used to treat Parkinson's disease. Gabapentin (Neurontin) and other medications may also be prescribed.

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RLS might make you more impulsive

Since RLS drugs tend to target the dopamine receptors in the brain, they can lead to less inhibition and more impulsiveness. This may lead to less sexual inhibition and problematic behaviors, such as excessive gambling and reduced self-control.

RLS may give you a renewed appreciation of massage

Massage can help relieve the tingly, uncomfortable sensations associated with RLS — and the positive effects may last long after the massage ends. One study found that getting a 45-minute massage twice each week for three weeks decreased symptoms significantly for two weeks after treatment ended.

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RLS is tough on your partner, too

Perhaps unsurprisingly, RLS has a negative effect on your quality of life. What may be more surprising are the findings of a 2018 study, which found that RLS also had a negative effect on a partner’s sleep, leisure time, and relationship with the RLS patient. In other words, RLS affects more than just the individual who has been diagnosed with the condition.

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RLS is linked to other health problems

RLS is associated with a number of health problems, including depression. One study found that those with RLS were up to four times more likely to be classified with a depressive disorder compared to those without RLS. Evidence suggests that RLS is also linked to kidney disease and there may be an association with other conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke.

Martin Reed

Martin is the creator of Insomnia Coach, an eight-week course that combines online sleep education with individual sleep coaching. His course helps clients improve their sleep so they can enjoy a better life with more energy and start each day feeling happy, healthy, rested, and refreshed. Martin also runs a free sleep training course that has helped over 5,000 insomniacs. He holds a master’s degree in health and wellness education and studied clinical sleep health at the University of Delaware.